Overview
Course overview
Business English at LSBUK is a practical, workplace-focused course designed for professionals who need to communicate effectively in English at work. The programme moves beyond general English and targets the specific language, register and communication skills that matter in business: emails, reports, presentations, meetings and negotiations. It is taught in a professional context with realistic workplace scenarios throughout.
What you will study
Master the conventions and techniques of effective professional email communication in English. Examine register, tone, structure, and clarity in business email contexts. Learn how to write concise subject lines, strong opening lines, and clear calls to action. Practise drafting emails for common business scenarios including requests, responses, updates, and difficult conversations, developing accuracy and confidence in written professional communication.
Develop the skills to plan, structure, and write clear and persuasive business reports in English. Examine report formats including executive summaries, analytical reports, and proposals. Learn how to present data and evidence effectively, use appropriate business vocabulary, and write for different reader audiences. Practise drafting and editing sections of business documents, developing fluency in formal written English for professional contexts.
Build the language skills needed to deliver engaging presentations and persuasive pitches in English. Examine presentation structure, signposting language, and techniques for explaining complex ideas clearly. Learn how to open with impact, transition smoothly between sections, and close with a compelling call to action. Practise delivering short presentations and pitches with feedback on fluency, vocabulary, pronunciation, and professional impact.
Develop the spoken English skills required to participate confidently and effectively in business meetings and negotiations. Examine language for chairing, contributing, agreeing, disagreeing, and summarising in professional contexts. Learn negotiation vocabulary, strategies for reaching agreement, and techniques for managing difficult conversations constructively. Practise through role-play scenarios covering typical business meeting and negotiation situations.
Build a strong foundation of business English vocabulary and an understanding of appropriate register across contexts. Examine vocabulary for finance, strategy, operations, human resources, and marketing. Learn the difference between formal and informal registers and when each is appropriate in professional communication. Develop accurate use of idiomatic business expressions, avoiding common errors made by non-native English speakers.
Develop communication awareness and sensitivity for working effectively with international colleagues, clients, and partners. Examine how cultural dimensions influence communication styles, directness, hierarchy, and decision-making. Learn how to adapt your English communication style to different cultural expectations. Explore real examples of cross-cultural miscommunication and develop strategies for building rapport and trust across cultures in global business settings.
Master the techniques for constructing persuasive written and spoken messages in English. Examine rhetorical structures, evidence-based argumentation, and the psychology of persuasion in professional contexts. Learn how to frame proposals, build compelling narratives, and address objections effectively. Practise writing persuasive emails, proposals, and presentations, receiving feedback on structure, vocabulary, tone, and overall persuasive impact.
Develop the communication style, language choices, and delivery techniques that project confidence and authority in English-speaking professional environments. Examine how word choice, sentence structure, pacing, and non-verbal communication contribute to executive presence. Learn to command a room, handle challenging questions, and communicate strategic vision with clarity. Practise high-stakes communication scenarios with individualised coaching feedback.
Build awareness and practical skills for navigating cultural nuance in international business communication. Examine how assumptions, stereotypes, and cultural blind spots affect professional relationships. Learn culturally sensitive approaches to feedback, hierarchy, directness, and conflict in global workplace contexts. Develop your cultural intelligence and ability to flex your communication style for colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds.
Develop the conversational English skills and strategies needed to build and maintain a professional network. Examine small talk conventions, introduction techniques, and follow-up communication in professional settings. Learn how to represent yourself and your organisation effectively at networking events, conferences, and online platforms. Practise networking conversations, elevator pitches, and professional introductions with feedback on naturalness and impact.
Who is this for?
Professionals at B1 to C1 level who use English in a work context and want to improve their confidence, accuracy and professional impact. Suitable for managers, executives and international business professionals.
Learning outcome
Learners will be able to write clear, professional business communications, participate confidently in meetings and negotiations, and deliver structured presentations in English. They will have a stronger professional vocabulary and a better understanding of register in business contexts.
Assessment and delivery style
Sessions are practical and scenario-based. Activities include drafting and editing business documents, role-play meetings and negotiations, and short presentations with structured feedback. Progress is assessed through written tasks and observed speaking performance.
